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Marketing - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing our BA (Hons) Marketing degree gives you the practice-based skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing discipline of marketing. This approach not only gives you the marketing knowledge needed but also the personal skills employers demand, allowing you to make an immediate impact upon graduation....

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time/Part Time

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Overview

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing our BA (Hons) Marketing degree gives you the practice-based skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing discipline of marketing. This approach not only gives you the marketing knowledge needed but also the personal skills employers demand, allowing you to make an immediate impact upon graduation. This experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to undertake a yearlong placement. 

Businesses value marketing more than ever due to its ability to identify opportunities, shape experiences and drive profits. It is an ever-evolving discipline, constantly responding to changes in technology and consumer behaviour. 

To be successful in this exciting area not only requires a depth understanding of the core principles, but also relies on having the acumen and practical abilities to apply and adapt this knowledge in a wide variety of scenarios. This in-demand course has been designed to give you the practical and professional skills that employers seek through our practice-based learning approach

Tailor your Marketing Degree

Our suite of Marketing courses will enable you to tailor your interests to a specific area.

Our BA Marketing degree has a number of optional modules, or after the successful completion of your first year you can switch to one of the other specialised marketing degrees:

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Inspiring our students in all aspects of marketing, we put an emphasis on employability, Employability focused means more than securing a role on graduation, it is an enduring principle that ensures that you have the resources and competencies to maximise all of your future career opportunities. You will receive this through every module and through enhanced experiences such as the opportunity to work in our very own student-led marketing agency. Placements are available, with numerous companies holding our placement students in high regard thanks to their real-world practical skills.

This course is one of six marketing degrees that have been designed to meet the diverse areas of marketing. This suite of courses is distinct in that it offers you a set of pathways that you can choose from irrespective of the course that you entered on. This allows you to develop additional specialist skills of your choice and career aspirations, alongside the core underpinning market concepts you will need in practice.

Each course in the suite has been designed to:

  • Equip students with the ability to apply marketing theory and practice in a variety of business situations.
  • Develop key transferable skills that are essential to a career in marketing.
  • Provide students with the opportunity to develop specialist marketing skills of their choice.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) logo

Why Choose Us?

  • We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
  • The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
  • We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
  • We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through the Link Agency we give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
  • This course is accredited and meets the high standards of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 24 November 2024

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.

Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £1542 per 20 credits
  • Year 1 - 80 credits
  • Year 2 - 80 credits
  • Year 3 - 80 credits
  • Year 4 - 80 credits
  • Year 5 - 40 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 Years
  • £17,690 in 2025/26

Access to computer equipment 

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms. 

Printing 

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment. 

Field trips 

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees. 

Access to Microsoft Office 365 

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation. 

Key software 

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research. 

Key subscriptions 

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library. 

Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence 

Students studying on this course can request a free licence to install the entire suite of applications on up to two personal devices. 

Excess printing (optional) 

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet. 

Personal stationery and study materials (optional) 

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. 

Placement expenses (optional) 

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home. 

Personal equipment (optional) 

Whilst not essential, it is advised you own a computer or laptop capable of running standard software.  

Memberships (optional) 

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as CIM and undertake the CIM qualification at your own expense. Please visit the CIM website for latest costs.  

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

  1. Register with UCAS
  2. Login to UCAS and complete your details
  3. Select your course and write a personal statement
  4. Get a reference
  5. Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

  • Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
  • Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
  • Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
  • School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
  • Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

First Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Second Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

You also have the option to study a semester abroad:

Professional Placement (Optional)

In order to qualify for the award of BA (Hons) Marketing with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 40 credits).

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 80 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

Download course specification

Download now

Go Abroad

Undergraduate students can apply to study on an exchange programme for one semester at one of our partner universities across the globe. The opportunity to apply will depend on which course you study. The majority of courses offer this in the second semester of your second year. You will obtain credits which are recognised by BCU.  Find out more about Go Abroad.

Alternatively, each year, the University offers students the chance to volunteer or study overseas at one of our partner institutions/organisations during the summer. In previous years, our students have been to France, Spain, Brazil, Fiji, India, Mexico, South Korea, and USA on a variety of activities. All students are eligible to apply, although PG and PhD students may require academic approval. Find out more about Go Abroad.

Student Profile - Jake Newton

Accommodation Blog Post - Jake Image 300x200Finding a course with academics who are passionate about their area of expertise was a huge factor I’d considered when deciding to study BSc Marketing at Birmingham City University.

It was clear the course tutors were so passionate about their subject area when I first stepped foot into BCU on an Open Day back in 2016. Not only did they prove how dedicated they were to their subject but also the opportunities that were available to you as a student.

The marketing industry is oozes with exciting opportunities and studying Marketing at BCU reflects that. There are opportunities to gain real in-house marketing experience with their internal marketing agency ‘The Link’ which isn’t provided anywhere else. Alongside the experience gained in-house, I also undertook a micro-placement where I worked a month as an intern at a Social Media company in Birmingham called ‘Updates Media’. These experiences set me up really well for my year-long Professional Placement in my third year.

For my Professional Placement, I worked at BCU as a Marketing, Communications and Events Assistant. During this time I experienced many roles with a lot of responsibility such as organising events and campaigns, designing emails directed to thousands of prospective students, working on BCUs corporate marketing campaign and more! In fact I enjoyed it so much, once my placement was complete, I have continued to work as a Social Media Ambassador for BCU to broaden my skill set even more through my final year.

The support from the staff is truly fantastic. The academics go the extra mile to help you succeed with their industry experience shining through their teaching, taking the learning experience to a whole new level. They care about your development and provide many opportunities to work with businesses and network with professionals to help you build your own personal network for your future career.

Student life in Birmingham is vibrant, fast-paced and exciting; this course mirrors that. From supportive staff, ongoing events around campus and constant opportunities, it truly couldn’t be done without the fantastic group of people working at BCU. You can build experience, increase your employability and learn off older students as well as your academics. I know because of my Professional Placement, employers are more likely to hire me, and I have BCU to thank for that.

Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) logo
Chartered Institute of Marketing

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is the leading professional body for marketers worldwide and exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners.

Birmingham City University has joined forces with CIM to give students the opportunity to gain professional qualifications through our CIM Accredited Degrees. CIM qualifications are highly sought after by employers, and map alongside our own degrees which ensures we are equipping students with the best opportunities for a successful marketing career.

Employability

Enhancing your employability skills

Your programmes will provide you with specific business knowledge and skills, appropriate to graduate careers in marketing. Our specialist pathways will enable you to reflect on the dynamism and vibrancy of the business environment, enhancing your career prospects in the process.

Alongside gaining marketing skills will be a range of transferrable attributes, which will see you become a highly desirable graduate, able to work in a number of different industries.

In addition, you could gain first-hand experience with the Link Marketing Agency, our voluntary, student-led agency which provides you with the chance to work with a wide variety of clients.

You will also have the chance to undertake a work placement, gaining valuable real-life skills in a professional working environment.

Placements

By choosing this course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a one-year, paid work placement. We have links with many businesses across industries, locally and worldwide. This means you’ll get really valuable, direct experience on your paid placement.

Previous students have undertaken placements with companies such as Sky, Johnson & Johnson, and Disney.

Whether you take the four-year or three sandwich route, the important thing about work placements is that they provide an opportunity for you to get to grips with working, meeting deadlines and working in a team. A placement enhances your knowledge in many ways, helping you with your course, as well as helping you to find out more about a job or industry, leading to more informed decisions upon graduation.

More about our placement opportunities

International

Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!

Our Business programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.

We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.

International Services

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities & Staff

Curzon facilities eatery
Curzon facilities staircase
Curzon facilities student hub

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law and Business students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.

The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.

The Curzon Building also features:

  • An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
  • Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
  • A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
  • Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
  • Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our staff

David Cashmore

Senior Teaching Fellow, Course Leader for Undergraduate Marketing Programmes

David joined BCU in 2017 as a Senior Teaching Fellow in Marketing. With 20 years' experience in industry, David has held senior marketing roles in a diverse range of B2B companies, ranging from SMEs through to large global corporations.

More about David

Dr Charlotte Carey

Associate Professor in Digital Marketing

Dr Charlotte Carey currently leads BCU’s Entrepreneurship research cluster, which is part of the CEIG research centre. 

More about Charlotte